Lacazette was in great form last season and appears concerned that a move to the wrong club at the wrong time could stunt his development.

He said recently: "To be considered as a part of Lyon, is something that is both interesting and good. All professional players want to have responsibilities at the heart of the club.

"If I can continue to progress and achieve my objectives with Lyon... but we never know what is going to happen.

"Is there a danger of me leaving too early? In life, you have to take risks. To leave too early, or too late, at one point or another, you have to leave. One will see afterward whether the moment was good or not."

It now remains to be seen whether Everton can seal a deal for Lacazette or whether Liverpool or Arsenal now step up their interest to trump the Toffees in the race for the talented hitman.